Yoshiwara, Red-light district in Senzoku, Tokyo, Japan
Yoshiwara is a red-light district in the Senzoku neighborhood of Tokyo near Minowa Station in Taito Ward. The area consists of narrow lanes lined with multi-story buildings whose facades often feature wooden elements and whose entrances are lit by red lanterns after dark.
The quarter was set up in 1617 as one of three government-licensed entertainment zones during the Edo period. Following the great fire of 1657 the entire district moved to its present location north of the city center.
The name derives from a reed-covered marsh that once occupied this site and translates roughly to field of joy. Today the area features narrow lanes where establishments display red lanterns and doorways framed by sliding wooden screens.
The quarter is easily reached by taking the Hibiya subway line to Minowa Station and walking a few minutes from there. Most establishments in this area cater to a Japanese-speaking clientele and are typically not open to foreign visitors.
Jokanji Temple is also known as Nagekomi Dera which translates to throw-in temple. The grounds hold unmarked graves where women who died in the quarter were laid to rest without family ceremony.
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